Link Between Weight Loss and Drug Addiction

While many people have a general idea of how dangerous drug abuse can be, not everyone is aware of the specific physical changes that can occur from an addiction.

There is a link between weight loss and addiction, in particular, that’s alarming to researchers and healthcare providers. Weight loss is one of the many physical effects of cocaine, heroin, and even meth. But is it possible to become addicted to diet pills and medications? Our faith-based drug and alcohol rehab personnel decided to take a deeper look into the link between weight loss and drug addiction.

How Are Weight Loss and Drug Addiction Connected?

Weight loss is a common side effect of drug abuse. People addicted to drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin are known for being underweight or seeming malnourished. The link between weight loss and drug addiction involves changes in metabolism, loss of appetite, and increased energy. Cocaine, for instance, increases the person’s energy and suppresses their hunger, meaning they’ll burn more calories than they consume. People who develop drug addictions usually suffer from more than just weight loss. Cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and mental illness are just a few dangers of addiction. An effective addiction treatment program is usually necessary to help individuals with a drug dependency recover.

On the other hand, some people looking to drop a few pounds may turn to prescription drugs as a quick solution. Because diet pills were meant to work like amphetamines for appetite suppression, both classes of drugs share similarities. Both amphetamines and diet pills can cause increased energy and euphoria, which can increase the risk of addiction. Common weight loss medications like Contrave, Saxenda, or Qsymia can be addictive and cause adverse side effects.

Some side effects of prescription weight loss drugs include:

• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Hallucinations
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Yellow eyes or skin
• Dark urine
• Chest pains
• High blood pressure

Any form of drug abuse can be harmful and cause long-term damage. When it comes to treating a diet pill addiction, our prescription pill addiction treatment at Faith in Recovery can help.

Can You Lose Too Much Weight?

Yes, it is possible to lose too much weight; in fact, extreme weight loss can be life-threatening. While it may be tempting to lose weight as quickly as possible, it can actually do more harm than good. Rapid weight loss diets and diet pills that promise instant results are either deficient in necessary nutrients or contain harmful ingredients. While certain people may require weight loss medication to kick start their health journey, continuous use of these drugs is rarely recommended. Abusing these pills or heavily restricting your diet can lead to hair loss, fatigue, brittle bones, slow metabolism, and immune deficiency.

Weight loss from drug addiction is only one of the many issues that a person may face when engaging in long-term substance abuse. If you’re interested in losing weight, there are a variety of other healthy habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to achieve your goals.

---

If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, call our team today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our different levels of care.

Related Reading:

^{Prayers for an Addicted Spouse}

^{Adverse Effects of Oxycodone}

^{How to Stop Enabling}

^{The Difference Between Crack and Meth}